How Tsehaitu Abye is building civic power for Black immigrants in Philadelphia

Tsehaitu Abye knows that access to voting is not equal, and for many Black immigrant communities, it has never been. As a first-generation Ethiopian American organizer based in Philadelphia, she has spent over two decades working to close those gaps, helping communities not only show up at the polls but build lasting civic power.

Philly City Council passes ICE Out legislation, limiting ICE operations within the city

The bill package passed during Thursday’s council meeting after being fast-tracked out of committee last week.

Philadelphia now has some of the most stringent policies targeting ICE operations of any city in the U.S. after its City Council passed a package of seven bills aimed at reigning in the conduct of ICE agents and putting up more guardrails between the agency and the city’s immigrant communities.

Safe Healthy Homes Act advances again out of Philadelphia City Council Committee

A final vote for the package is now expected on Thursday, April 16.

After a lawsuit brought by two Philadelphia landlords forced an additional hearing on Monday, March 30, Philadelphia City Council’s Committee on Housing, Neighborhood Development, and The Homeless passed the Safe Healthy Homes Act for a second time.

“Public history must tell the truth” - As attempts to whitewash U.S. history grow nationwide, Philadelphia pushes back.

As a slavery exhibit was partially reinstated at the President’s House site, local voices say the struggle to preserve African American history continues.

Mayor Parker’s new nearly $7 billion budget puts economic mobility at the center

The new budget proposes more investments in workforce development, housing, and even a new student loan program.

As she stood inside City Hall, the Mayor proposed a nearly $7 billion Fiscal Year 2027 budget with an eye towards holding up one of her main campaign promises to expand economic opportunity for all Philadelphians.

On Tuesday, Jan. 27, immigration advocates joined Philadelphia City Councilmembers and other elected officials to announce ICE Out  — to crack down on ICE's authority and the agency’s operations in Philadelphia.

On Tuesday, December 2, five Philadelphia-based journalists took part in a panel discussion at Klein College, just moments after the celebration of the official launch of Temple University’s student chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. As several students aspiring to make their mark in the media industry sat in the audience, each of the professionals shared their own journeys and career paths.

NAHJ chapter launches at Temple University, providing new path of opportunities for aspiring Latine journalists and media professionals. The new NAHJ Temple chapter will serve to help support a stronger and more inclusive media landscape throughout the region, with the inclusion of Latine voices.

At a recent community event hosted by Inti Media, leaders from local organizations gathered to discuss how civic engagement can extend beyond Election Day. The Short Film Screening + Conversation: Civic Engagement in the Latine Community event highlighted the work of residents and groups dedicated to making government participation more accessible, especially for Philadelphia’s Latine community.

By Harold Jordan. July 22, 2025.

Honoring Disability Pride: A Decade of Fighting for Disability Rights in Pennsylvania. At the ACLU of Pennsylvania, our work in disability rights is part of a broader fight for justice that recognizes the interconnected issues of ableism, racism, and economic injustice.

By Courtney Duchene and Lauren McCutcheon on Apr. 30, 2025.

Ballots on the 2025 primary elections will ask Philadelphia residents to approve or deny proposals that aim to permanently change the City’s circa 1951 Home Rule Charter (Philadelphia’s constitution). This manual guides residents in making voting decisions that most align with their needs and preferences.

By Emily L. Davis. April 01, 2025.

Audience reactions to the DA forum were mixed. Krasner emphasized holistic community safety, while Dugan stressed witness outreach. Both agreed on collaboration but differed on policies—Dugan opposed prosecuting kids as adults (with exceptions), and Krasner defended juvenile facility challenges. Attendees like Jeff Smith (Mothers in Charge) praised Krasner’s community work, while others, like Dom Shannon, questioned Dugan’s record. Faith Adams sought accountability for misconduct, and Colette White criticized Dugan’s ‘backward’ approach. Overall, the forum left many undecided.

By Jensen Toussaint. May 4, 2025.

The city implemented an ordinance on food trucks (limiting the hours of operation of a select number) in 2024. While Councilwoman Quetcy Lozada of the 7th District has seen promising improvements in safety, her reasoning for pushing for the ordinance, food truck owners express concerns over how the limitations are affecting their bottom line.

By Emily L. Davis. April 27, 2025.

Philly DA candidates Krasner (incumbent) and Dugan (ex-judge) debated public safety approaches. Krasner touted lower incarceration rates and police reforms; Dugan called the city unsafe, citing rising shootings. Both oppose cash bail but clash on risk assessments. Forum covered protest prosecutions, immigrant rights, and diversion programs.

By Jensen Toussaint. March 12, 2025.

At the GPLEX 2024 Summit in San Diego, one truth stood out: immigrants are vital to Philly’s economy. 💼 They make up 20% of the workforce, pay 15% of property taxes, and run 36% of small businesses. Their contributions are driving growth and revitalizing the city. Leaders highlighted a harsh truth: immigrants are under attack, yet they remain essential to Philly’s economy. The discussion served as a reminder that 'when we act collectively, when we take collective action armed with the facts, there is real power in that,' added Anuj Gupta, President and CEO of The Welcoming Center.

Por Jennifer Hernandez. 3 de março, 2025.

Afro-Latines in the U.S. face unique challenges at the intersection of race, culture, and identity. A UCLA study reveals labor market disparities and anti-Black bias impacting this growing community. The study is intended to highlight the challenging labor market conditions for Afro-Latinx and understand their socioeconomic experiences by considering how gender, immigration status, national origin, ethnicity, and race intersect and shape those experiences. 

By Vicky Díaz-Camacho. February 9, 2025

On Super Bowl Sunday, leaders with immigrant rights and advocacy groups in both Philadelphia and Kansas City announced a united effort for immigrant-owned businesses to close up shop. After that, they urge residents to shop at local, immigrant-owned businesses and avoid corporate big box stores.

By Nigel Thompson on January 18th, 2025.

Ahead of Trump's inauguration, Philadelphia advocates call on local leaders to protect immigrant communities, focusing on figures like Mayor Cherelle Parker and Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon. Activists, including Nancy Nguyen, push for stronger support and reaffirmation of the city’s sanctuary policies to combat rising threats.

By Jensen Toussaint. November 1, 2024.

The healthcare industry is essential for all communities, yet diverse groups remain underrepresented in its workforce. Despite 33% of U.S. nurses being Black, Asian, or Hispanic, these groups make up 39% of the population. Programs like Accesso Care are empowering immigrant CNAs to fill critical roles amidst a nursing shortage. By offering training and community support, they aim to create a compassionate, skilled workforce that reflects the diversity of the nation and addresses healthcare needs.

By Nabila Haddad. October 30, 2024.

This November 5th, it’s crucial for immigrants to recognize their impact on the U.S. economy. With 63 million Latines contributing $3.2 trillion, their voices matter in shaping policies that affect their communities. Many face barriers like language and misinformation, but participation is essential. As Jennifer Rodriguez from GPHCC states, communities that don’t engage often remain underserved.